Part 1: The Head of a Healthy Cat

Certainly, we all share the common goal of keeping our cats healthy and happy. Knowing what a healthy cat looks and feels like to the touch can help us spot any changes that may require veterinary attention. Let's take a look at our cats from head to toe so that we may start with a level playing ground. We're starting at the top with the head in this part.

Pictured here is my Billy, who from the head view at least, appears to be a healthy cat at five years. His ears are perky and clean, and his eyes are clear.
_{Photo Credit: © Franny Syufy}

Read the full article for full details about the head of a healthy cat.

Signs of a Healthy Cat originally appeared on About.com Cats on Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 at 08:25:53.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

"Edward is a solid little cat who, some might say, has two strikes against him. He is FIV+ and also suffers from cerebellar hypoplasia (CH). This is a neurological disorder characterized by lack of balance and coordination, causing Edward's legs to move independently of each other and, consequently, giving him an awkward gait. Does this bother our boy? Not for a minute."

"Edward is one of the happiest, most love-seeking cats you could ever meet. When you visit the FIV+ suite, don't even try to ignore him, because he won't let you! Edward will run after you for cuddles and hugs. He loves attention, loves catnip toys and loves life. He thinks it's just fine to move his own way and enjoy life from his own perspective. And why not? He knows everyone immediately falls in love with him, and that makes him perfect just the way he is."
_{Photo Credit: © Photo Credit: © Danielle Rice}

Be sure to see Edward's full story for a full-sized photo of this sweet boy's face.

Edward is available at Tabby's Place in Ringoes New Jersey. The caring folks there understand that Edward's special needs may be too much for many people to cope with. However, you can sponsor Edward or any one of the special needs cats with a small monthly donation.

See More Adoptable Shelter Cats | Share Your Special Needs Cat Story

Humane Shelters and Cat Rescue Groups:

You can participate by sending your special needs cats' information, by completing the Adoptable Shelter Cats Submission Form It's all for the cats!

Adoptable Shelter Cat of the Week: Edward originally appeared on About.com Cats on Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 at 15:00:45.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

Cats are noted for their propensity of seeking out places to hide - places not originally intended for cats, such as kitchen sinks, boxes, baskets, slippers, drawers, and such. There is no limit to the imagination of cats looking for a place for a nap. We've put together a photo gallery of container cats - pictures guaranteed to bring a smile. The photo you see here is Sneaker, featured in Container Cats Gallery 2.
_{Photo Credit: © DeAnn S. Nelson}

Container Cats Picture Gallery originally appeared on About.com Cats on Saturday, September 4th, 2010 at 22:16:45.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

I was in Miami visiting a friend who had rented a studio for an art exhibition (from Ibiza). The area was full of cats and he, a cat lover, had taken to feeding a mother and 3 kittens...I saw Siggy(his nickname for Tirgretta) bounding along in the grass at 3 weeks old, she came and jumped in my lap and it was love at first sight!

When he came to join others friends visiting me from Florence we brought Siggy, her sister Blanca, and her brother and a calico with us! Siggy and Blanca stayed with me while the other two were adopted out immediately. They still have a special bond with each other within my cat family. . .read more.

What a wonderful story, No matter how her name is spelled, Siggy has learned the real meaning of a "forever home" with Felice. Felice was featured in the Joy of Senior Cats Gallery, where all the Cats of the Week will be chosen from in September 2010.

Read Siggy's Full Story | Share Your Joy of Senior Cats

Cat Picture of the Week: Siggy originally appeared on About.com Cats on Saturday, September 4th, 2010 at 16:01:49.

Permalink | Comment | Email this

I found this old article (1998) yesterday, quite by accident, and thought I'd share it with my readers today. Asa and Bubba are no longer with me, but I'm sure they are both still sharing love every day at the Rainbow Bridge.

The photo here shows Bubba at the top of an overhead that extended down the right side of our home. He had gotten there by climbing a tree on the left side of the house, then transgressing the top of the roof, down to where he could jump on the trellis. Asa was standing beneath him, arms spread to catch him. Because of their mutual trust, Bubba eventually made the leap of faith, and was soon safely back indoors.

A couple of days ago a long-time reader who had recently read the new feature on Accidental Cat Parenthood, emailed me about the possibility of discussing "the other cat parent." Bubba idolized Asa, and vice-versa. If any one has ever been kitty-whipped, they will understand that relationship. On the other paw, I was sort of "the other parent," in that I served as provider of food, and alternate companionship when Asa wasn't around. I'm curious how many of my readers are "other cat parents?" Are you Numero Uno with your cats, or "also ran," as I was with Bubba?

A Friday Kind of Love originally appeared on About.com Cats on Friday, September 3rd, 2010 at 15:14:58.

Permalink | Comment | Email this